Dean Allen Carlsen

Dean Allen “Deno” Carlsen was born June 22, 1967 in Omaha, Nebraska to Ronald and Janet (Younie) Carlsen. Dean grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, attended Joslyn Elementary School, and graduated from Burke High School. He then earned his degree in Accounting at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1990. He and his brother Jeff had a big group of friends from the Oakbrook Neighborhood. They enjoyed riding motorcycles together and running amuck through the neighborhood. He liked traditions and wasn’t big on change. In 1985, he started working at AAA Business. He started as an intern and once graduated worked as a tax accountant. He enjoyed hosting office Christmas parties. His office may have been a mess, but he always knew where to find anything. He enjoyed his clients and his work. After long tax seasons he often enjoyed a trip to visit Monterey, California to spend time with the California cousins. When he couldn’t make it to California, he would go have a strong margarita and celebrate that another tax season was over. He enjoyed reading, bowling, softball, darts at the legion, and golf. He loved golf. He even taught Amanda how to golf. He loved watching the Huskers (yes, even when they lose), eating Vics popcorn, Keno and drinking his Rum and Coke. He enjoyed the College World Series and always took a niece or nephew to at least one game a year. He enjoyed cooking with his California cousins and sister-in-law Jeannie. Dean loved his nieces Amanda and Hayley and his nephew Blake. He was so proud of each of them and spoke about them often as if they were his own children. He was so proud of Blake joining the military and made sure everyone knew about Blake’s adventures. He traveled to Chicago to see him graduate from the Navy and traveled to DC to welcome him home from deployment. He was a big supporter of Hayley during her softball years. When she had her two girls, Adalynn and Palmer, they became his new favorite thing to brag about. Each year he took the kids on a special “Uncle Dean Day” for their birthdays. They got to go to their favorite restaurant and then go pick out their gift. On holidays he was in charge of the homemade whip cream. Don’t worry Dean, Hayley will continue the tradition with your special whip cream maker. He never forgot the wine or the scratch off tickets and always made sure to bring us new fancy cheeses to try. Uncle Dean became a well-known site at all of the Bennington events. Bennington Daze, Fire events, golf tournaments and even Halloween. He loved to hand out candy at Halloween and sit by the fire pit. Making sure all the dads were taken care of when it came to “trick or beer.” He was always along for the ride with our crazy shenanigans. Even if he didn’t really want to, like trying out for Family Feud or ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for Jeannie’s random act of kindness Christmas. And our full day of bicycle riding around Washington DC. He even taught all the kids how to drive. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 374 for 13 years. Commander 2015- 2017 and Color guard/honor guard for 8 years. He was so proud to be a part of this organization. He was proud to present the Navy Flag at memorial services and also took part in Wreaths Across America along with so many other events. He hated torn flags when he saw them. He often spoke about the Fish Fry’s and Polka Police. If there was a fundraiser he was there to support. He enjoyed watching the Husker games there with his mom, Jan. They were his legion family. His joyfulness presence, his size 14 shoes, laughter and kindness filled a room. His big bright blue eyes and big smile will be missed by so many. Do a fire ball shot or have a tall Captain and Coke and toast Dean As he would often say, “WOW… IT IS WHAT IT IS”. Dean passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Hillcrest Country Estates in Papillion, Nebraska at the age of 55 years 2 months and 8 days. He was preceded in death by his father Ronald Carlsen, grandmothers Ethel Carlsen and Ida Younie, and grandfathers Elmer Younie and Milton Carlsen. Dean is survived by his mother Jan Carlsen of Gretna, brother and sister-in-law Jeff & Jeannie Carlsen of Omaha, nieces and nephews, Amanda Carlsen, Hayley & Mitchell Larkin and their children Adalynn and Palmer, and Blake Carlsen, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Celebration of Life service 11 AM Tuesday, Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn. Private inurnment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation Monday from 4-7 PM. For the visitation, please wear your Husker gear or golf gear. Memorials to the family for later designation.

Dean Allen Carlsen

June 22, 1967 - August 30, 2022